FA chairman Greg Dyke said in a statement that the England manager has explained what he said, apologised for any offence caused and spoken to players who have confirmed there are "no problems within the squad whatsoever".

He also reaffirmed that Hodgson has the full support of the FA in the run-up to next summer's World Cup finals and that no complaint had been made from any player OR representative.

Hodgson was using the NASA joke to encourage Chris Smalling to pass the ball more to Andros Townsend, but one player is believed to have thought the words carried racial connotations.

However, Dyke confirmed that Hodgson has made it clear that there was no intent to say anything inappropriate and has the FA's backing.

His statement reads: “Roy Hodgson is a man of the highest integrity, an honourable man who is doing a great job with the England team. He has and deserves the full support of The Football Association.

“He has fully explained to us what he said and the point he was making to the players in the dressing room at half-time on Tuesday night. He has also explained the context in which he made his remarks.

“He has made clear there was no intent to say anything inappropriate, and he was certainly not making any comments with any racist connotation. Importantly, he has apologised for any unintended offence that may have been taken.

“Roy has spoken with Andros Townsend and a number of the players since the game and he has been assured there are no problems within the squad whatsoever.

“Additionally The FA has not had a complaint from any squad member or player representative, and we have today talked extensively to the squad. The FA has been assured by the players that there are no problems and they understand the point Roy was making and the context in which he was speaking.

“We will be making no further comment on this story and will now be giving Roy and the team our full support as we prepare for the World Cup in Brazil."